Patient Wants To Stop Taking Buprenorphine

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Dr. Edwin Salsitz, a Providers Clinical Support System Clinical expert, speaks to a patient who has been on buprenorphine and has done well and now wants to taper off buprenorphine. They discuss the pros and cons of stopping the medication and what to expect.

[@jeffreysiegel9116]

I disagree that there are no negative effects of suboxone. it has an effect on your biochemistry. and it is addictive. try taking it and then quitting. im a fan of suboxone for recovery but to say it is 100% safe is just not correct. I agree that it's better then relapsing.

[@pleasedontfeedtheai2341]

Withdrawals are longer lasting, one very knowledgable Doctor I have learned much from, endorses changing back to shorter lasting opiates for the final wean (2 or 3 week taper) to make the final kick easier, faster and more bearable.

[@pleasedontfeedtheai2341]

I have been on subox for over a year. I have to disagree with him about no physical consequences. It releases histamines in some causing skin issues,all OPIODS can . The brain cannot rewire to normal dopamine production ( the natural happines reward) while on any OPIODS.. Male sex drive is affected on any opioid! Urine retention is common for many. I believe long term use will hurt the liver , kidney and teeth and bones. My humble educated opinion as a researcher and bup maintenance patient. Yes it worked miracles, but to hope to be free of it eventual. Surprised by his opinion here. God bless my friends!

[@uncas1214]

I applaud this guy for being pro sub for recovery. But I don’t like his opinion on stopping completely. It seems very negative. There can be life after sub use but it takes work. I’m an addict clean for 5 years now. It is not easy but it’s doable. I think the thing this dude is trying to make known is if you do have to be on replacement therapy for life so be it. Don’t ruin your life trying to be clean of everything if in fact you would be better off with sub. Obviously clean is the best way but don’t best yourself up if you have to be on sub for life. Only you know the truth.

[@sarahbella458]

This guy is reciting his textbook. Of course Suboxone damages organs. Gastric motility is slowed causing a lack of passing regular bowel movements which causes problems in many different organs. How can you bring a child into this world that has to go through withdraws and you aren’t willing to go through those withdraws yourself? I will agree with him about the public relations issues.

[@davidtigert4842]

What is wrong with taking low dose of a weak opioid for incurable chronic pain?

[@micmartin3969]

Sadly many members of our society Stigmatize treatment of addiction with medication. Some people are able to get off their anti hypertensive medications. Some people need medication for all their lives. As a physician who treats hypertension and addiction I have had patient stay on medication and do well and patients stop medications and do well. Most however remain on medication. Why ? Because medications work!! We are living longer despite rising rates of obesity and heart disease Why? Medication! Why are we dying from substance abuse? Lack of good medication that help treat addiction! The Kakko trial in Sweden in 2003 clearly shows that those who take medication are less likely to DIE than those who stop medication! Please do not stigmatize those who are living a productive life while taking medication. Their life might depend on it!!

[@FriedGatoraid]

Well make all these doctors keep the ones who want to stay on? on? I take 2 and half mgs. for 11 years now and im straight, I believe im ready to start getting off though? but i'll worry about that when i can't get anymore.

[@johndoeredfeather9600]

Thanks for the explanation, I was scared to start it, now my thoughts are clear!

[@pleasedontfeedtheai2341]

Not fully accurate

[@hypnocil10]

doctor explains this excellent , subooxone causes dependence , not addiction

[@edmundcasper7402]

Excellent supportive discussion of a common problem in recovery